A society of many deaths and rising inheritance — Sorting out your family line and relatives “now”

Japan is now entering a “society of many deaths,” in which many people pass away at an advanced age. Along with this, inheritance procedures and disputes among family members and relatives are increasing.

An era of “more” inheritance

Inheritance tax revenue is rising year after year; one estimate projects it will grow from about 3.2 trillion yen in fiscal 2024 to about 3.8 trillion yen in fiscal 2026. With rising asset prices and an aging population, more and more families will be facing inheritance from now on.

In inheritance procedures, to establish “who the heirs are,” you need to trace the family registers of the person who has passed away and confirm each family relationship one by one. But when relatives are scattered across the country or rarely in touch, this confirmation can turn out to be far more work than expected.

Being prepared by sorting things out “now”

That is why, for when the time comes, sorting out your family line and relationships while everyone is still well is an important way for families to prepare. Who is connected to whom, and how — if the whole picture of the family is clear, your family can face inheritance matters much more calmly.

Family Storage is a service that organizes your family relationships clearly as a family tree and lets you share it with your family. Not only for inheritance, but as a chance to look again at your family connections, why not start “organizing your family” now?

* This article is a plain introduction to general trends concerning a society of many deaths and inheritance. For specific inheritance procedures, please consult a professional (lawyer, tax accountant, administrative scrivener, etc.) or a public agency.
References: Japan Research Institute, “Challenges Surrounding Inheritance in a Society of Many Deaths” https://www.jri.co.jp/page.jsp?id=107573 / Dai-ichi Life Research Institute, “Why Does Inheritance Tax Keep Rising?” https://www.dlri.co.jp/report/ld/565606.html